“Hey, Buffster--how high do you want the border?”

The Scooby gang was gathered at Buffy’s house, helping her decorate the baby’s room. This hadn’t been something she’d felt comfortable even thinking about earlier on in her pregnancy, but now that she was 24 weeks along, she no longer had that superstitious feeling that putting too much energy into preparing for the baby was going to jinx everything.

“I don’t know. What do you think about putting it lower, so the baby can see it when it begins to move around? Like about ‘so’ high?” She put her hand at the wall at hip level.

Tara turned around from painting the baseboards. “Oh, that’s good, Buffy. I don’t know why people put it high up--the baby won’t ever see it up there.”

Willow put her own paint brush down and nodded. “Yeah, unless they levitate the crib or something...”

A look passed between the two witches, who began to giggle.

Xander and Buffy looked at each other, eyebrows raised. It was obviously some inside joke that neither of them wanted in on.

“That’s about three feet. Ok--I’ll go fill the wallpaper tub with water and get to work.”

The Slayer nodded, and returned to her own task of trying to figure out the blinds. She smiled and patted her belly as she felt the baby move. In the past week, she’d begun to feel the movements during the day, instead of just at night when she lay down to sleep. “You getting excited about your room? I hope you like what we’re doing to it. It’s called ‘renovating on a budget’.” She rubbed the swell of her belly once again. “You’re kinda gonna have to get used to that...”

“Ooh! Is the baby moving around?” Willow dropped her paintbrush onto the newspaper and ran over to her friend. Putting her hands on ‘mommy’s belly, she closed her eyes and concentrated. After about thirty seconds her eyes opened and her mouth formed a definite pout. “Pooh... It always stops moving...”

“That’s ok, Wills. The only other person it moves for is Sp...” She caught herself as Xander walked into the room. “Mom! Is mom--that ‘Special’ mom person, who the baby moves for... also...” Ugh, could her cover-up be any worse? She wasn’t sure how to go about telling the rest of her friends about her burgeoning relationship with the vampire. Burgeoning? More like burgeoned, if that was a word...

Truth was, the baby moved most in Spike’s presence. Maybe it was the cadence of his voice, maybe it was because Buffy was happiest when he was around, maybe it was because he spent lots of time talking to it through her belly. Either way, a few simple words from Spike, like “Evenin’ luv”, would have the baby doing a Riverdance.

Willow and Tara just smiled, knowing perfectly well what Buffy was about to say. But it was up to their friend to announce her new ‘boyfriend’ to the rest of the gang, and they respected that right. They knelt back down, wanting to get the second coat on the moulding before calling it quits. As much as they loved helping Buffy, crawling around on all fours, painting an 8” colonial-style baseboard wasn’t what they’d consider a fun chore. Fun was going to be deciding where to put the crib, decorating the walls with decals, helping shop for the cutest lamp...

An hour later, the four friends sat down on the room’s floor, exhausted. In just one afternoon, they’d managed to give the moulding two coats of paint, install roller blinds, put up the wallpaper border and, thanks to Xander, fix the light fixture that had never worked.

Buffy wiped at her forehead and turned to Xander. “So, where’s Anya, again?”

“She’s working at a self-imposed inventory. She does it every week or so. I think she’s afraid to be low on eye of newt or something... She sends her regards, though.”

The Slayer’s eyebrows shot up. “Really?”

“Uh, not exactly. It went something more like ‘Lie for me, Xander. Tell Buffy I’m sorry I couldn’t come--but you know as well as I do that I’d much rather count my money than do actual physical labour.’ The thought’s what counts, though...”

The three girls shook their heads in wonder. Anya’s bluntness was something that grew on you, something that you really had to work at to appreciate. It was just part of the Anya package, along with her neverending drive to impart wisdom (usually in regards to sex, or banking).

They were startled by the sound of the kitchen door opening, but Buffy knew immediately who it was. Time for the big showdown, she mused.

“That’s the food--I’ll go set it out in the dining room, if you guys want to get cleaned up.” Without giving them a chance to answer, the young blonde scampered out of the room and bounded down the stairs.

Shaking his head, Xander pulled himself up. “Buffy seems really... I don’t know, she seems happier these days, don’t you think? Maybe she’s finally gotten over the whole Riley thing...”

Willow and Tara just stared at him, not really knowing what to say. Surely they couldn’t tell him the truth... Finally, Tara spoke up. “I think that she’s just finally figuring out which direction her life’s going--she’s in control of her future and that makes her feel safe.” Well, it was the truth, wasn’t it? So she hadn’t mentioned a particular decision of Buffy’s--an omission is by no means an outright lie...

Xander seemed to take her opinion seriously, though. “That makes a lot of sense. I guess she probably hasn’t felt like she was in charge ever since she’s been the Slayer.” He smiled and turned towards the bathroom. “It’s just nice to see her happy again.”

***

“Ooh! Chinese!”

Buffy ran to the take-out containers on the counter and began to pick through them. “Mmm... Kung Pao Chicken, Szechuan Beef, Pork Fried Rice, Sweet and Sour Fish... Soups, spring rolls... You really made sure there was something for everyone, didn’t you?”

She turned back to Spike, who was putting some beer in the fridge. Sneaking up behind him, she threw her arms around his waist in a bear hug, trying to peek over his shoulder. “What did you get for us non-beer drinkers?”

“Got some Coke for the witches--don’t fancy seein’ them near alcohol for a while, considering that the one cooler they shared got them snookered last time. And for you, I got juice--a bottle of apple and one of that mango-passionfruit-tropical crap you like so much.”

The vampire finished finding room for the extra beers. He turned around to find a pouting Buffy. “What’s wrong, luv?”

“I’m sick of juice. I want some Coke too. You know, I’m allowed to have some caffeine--they say I can have something like 4 servings a day. But you always get me juice...”

The vampire walked to the counter and, leaning back against it, pulled the Slayer in his arms. “Then why don’t we let you have a glass just this once? It’s damned near impossible to say no to such a beautiful woman...” He leaned down and placed his lips on hers in a slow, sensual kiss. They were past the hurrying, the uncontrollable urges, even though they hadn’t had a chance to consummate their relationship since that night in the DeSoto.

Buffy felt her heart speed up and her legs weaken at the vampire’s proximity. It was so silly and childish to get jelly-kneed over something as simple as a kiss, but she couldn’t help it. Her arms reached over Spike’s shoulders, her hands clasping around the back of his neck. When his own hands came down to her rear, pulling her towards him--pressing her into his erection--she couldn’t help but let out a contented sigh.

She broke off the kiss when she heard the strangest noise. I kind of sounded like a cross between a gurgle and a choke, but she couldn’t really be sure. When she looked up at Spike, she noticed that he was looking at something behind her. She turned around, only to find a slack-jawed Xander pointing at them, mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water.

It had to be a spell--it just had to. There was no way that Buffy would be stupid enough to get involved, once again, with a member of the undead club. “Bu... Buffy... Please tell me this isn’t what it seems...” He knew that pleading was pathetic, but he wasn’t beneath begging. Not when it came to this.

Buffy opened her mouth, but Spike was the one to speak up. “Listen, uhm, the Slayer asked me to come over and discuss some demon related... stuff, and...” The vampire’s pathetic attempt at a cover up was cut short when the woman in his arms turned to face him and put a finger to his lips. She simply shook her head, clearly indicating that this was up to her.

“Xander? There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you...” She was leaning back against Spike, who had his arms snaked around her, hands on her belly. As grateful as she was that he‘d tried to cover for her, knowing that their relationship wasn‘t something she‘d discussed with Xander, she knew it was time to stick up for herself and for the choices she had made. “It’s about Spike, and me. We’re kind of together. Well, not really kind of, more like... really, really together. Like Willow and Tara together, or you and Anya together.”

The young man shook out of his silence and stood up, back ramrod and eyes boring into the blonde couple. “Why, Buffy? What is it with you and vampires? Is it some sort of a fad that I haven’t heard of--should I go get myself some undead plaything, too? I honestly don’t know what’s wrong with you, it’s disgusting to see you lower yourself to screwing around with his kind.”

Buffy felt Spike’s body go rigid, his hold on her arms almost painful. But the pain from his grip was nowhere near as harsh as her friend’s vitriol. “Oh, I’m sorry I disappoint you, Xander, but I’ve already tried the ‘normal guy’ route. And do you know where that left me? Knocked up and alone, that’s where! But what do you care, as long as I live my life how you want me to? Does it mean anything to you that I’m happy? Does it truly matter if a vampire is the source of my happiness?”

Tears clouding her vision, she looked up at the man who held her before turning back to the brunette. “Xander, Spike’s been there for all the times that Riley should have been. When I’ve felt crappy, when I needed someone to talk to, when I had to go to the hospital... It’s just so refreshing to have someone who doesn’t want me to be anything else but Buffy; not the Slayer, not what you expect me to be, just who I want to be. I hope you can understand, Xander, because I’m not going to change just because you don’t accept my being with Spike. He makes me happy, and it’s been a damn long time since that’s happened.”

She untangled herself from Spike’s grasp and stormed off. “Now, if you don’t mind, this vampire screwing slut is going to go and let her lesbian witch friends know that the food is here!”

Both men watched her leave, eyebrows raised. Xander turned his gaze back to Spike and had the common sense to look abashed. “Guess I really put my foot in it, didn’t I?”

The vampire chuckled and shook his head. “You should know better than to piss off a pregnant Slayer, Harris.” He walked to the fridge and grabbed two beers--one for himself, and one for the brunette. Truth was, he kind of felt pity for the young man. He knew what it was like to let your emotions lead you on, then to get your ass kicked--whether literally or metaphorically.

Surprised at the bleached blonde’s act of truce, Xander accepted the beer he was offered. “Look, I’m sorry...”

“Don’t need to apologize to me--Buffy’s the one you should be talkin’ to. I don’t give a rat’s ass what you think of us, but she obviously does. She’s been through enough hell without being castigated by her best friends on top of it all. What she needs right now is for people to support her, to believe in her ability to make the right choices for herself.”

Xander was sobered by Spike’s words. “You really do care about her, don’t you?” It would have been a joke even one minute prior, but after what the vampire had said it no longer seemed so inconceivable.

“More than anything on this earth, Harris.”

“Do you love her?” Where the hell had that question come from?!

“Yes.” Didn’t need to expand on that, now did he?. He loved Buffy. More than anyone he’d ever loved, even since he was a human. Stupid William, believing that what he felt for Cecily was love. He had simply been idolizing what was unattainable. If anyone who was half the woman his Slayer is would have made her way into his life back then, he wouldn’t have run into Dru that night. Wouldn’t have accepted her invitation to the dark side.

The brunette nodded, strangely satisfied with the one-word answer. He was expecting some sort of... what did they call it in English class? Ah, a soliloquy. That’s what he expected from the usually verbose vampire. But when all he said was ‘yes’, blue eyes clear and steady, it was obvious he was speaking the truth.

The sounds of three hungry girls hopping down the stairs shook the two men from their silent musings. Willow and Tara looked mighty pissed, and Buffy was avoiding any eye contact, especially since it would show them that she’d been crying.

The redhead was the first to speak up. “Xander Harris! You big jerk--come over here so I can talk to you!”

Xander surprised everyone by shaking his head. “Sorry, Wills. Buffy’s the one I have to apologize to, if she wouldn’t mind having a quiet talk before we sit down.”

Buffy looked up, surprised. What had gone on between two of the most important men in her life that would cause her good friend to revisit his opinion on Buffy+vampire? “Uh, ok.” As she walked by Spike on her way out to the porch, she looked up to him questioningly. He simply smiled and nodded, assuring her that all was ok.

“Go on, love. The whelp’s got some serious grovelling to do. Dinner’ll still be warm when you come back.” He placed a kiss on the top of her head and walked to the dining room.

“So... everything’s going to be ok?” Tara had felt awkward in the midst of this emotional outburst. Not having been part of the Scoobies for very long, she didn’t feel comfortable participating in this sort of debacle. These were people who loved each other so much that nothing was done halfway; not the laughing, not the crying, and not the fighting. And hopefully not the apologizing, either.

“Harris and the Slayer’ll be right as rain when they come back. Don’t fret your pretty little self over them. The whelp just got a serious case of foot-in-mouth that he needs to apologize for. He’s made his peace with me and I’m sure he’s more than eager to do the same with Buffy.” The vampire busied himself by setting the table and placing the food containers in the middle, ignoring the odd looks he was getting from the two witches.

Neither of the three admitted it out loud, but they were curious to know what the two out on the porch were saying. Was it going well? Were they actually talking, or were they just sitting there with their arms crossed, playing in the dust with the toes of their shoes? They both needed to air out some opinions--the well-being of their friendship depended on it.

When the kitchen door opened and Buffy and Xander came through unscathed--although both looked like they’d cried a bit--the two witches and the vampire let out breaths of relief.

“Well, don’t know about you, but I’m starved. Kissing ass builds up a heck of an appetite...” Xander made his way to the table, clearly indicating that he wasn’t about to be the one to repeat what had been said in the privacy of the porch.

Spike put his arm around Buffy, guiding her towards her seat. “Come on, love. I’ll go get you a glass of cola--and a bottle of juice. You just sit tight.”

While he was getting the Slayer’s drinks ready, the vampire heard Willow speak up.

“So where’s your mom tonight?”

Helping herself to some wonton soup, Buffy shrugged. “Don’t really know. She said something about having to stay overnight somewhere--LA or something. I guess she’s on a buying trip. It’s funny, though, she usually tells me all about it, gives me about ten emergency phone numbers, but this time she kept avoiding having to answer me. She wouldn’t say why she was going, or where she was staying...”

“Bloody hell!”

Before anyone could ask what was wrong, Spike’s head popped into the dining room. “Rupert!”

Buffy’s brow furrowed. “What about Giles?”

Spike looked like he’d discovered Tut’s tomb--he was wearing a crazy grin, his eyes were bright and he kept chuckling to himself. “Rupert told me not to come by tonight or tomorrow night after patrol, that he was having company. I started to tease him about havin’ a bird over and he went beet red and started to stutter...” He looked at the Scoobies, waiting for a reaction, but all they did was stare back at him.

“Are you all bloody daft, or what? They’ve been givin’ each other puppy dog eyes for weeks now!”

“Who’s ’they’?” Xander was tired of this game--he just wanted to dig in.

“Joyce and Rupert, that’s who! Not only that, but the other night I spotted Joyce’s umbrella at the Watcher’s house. I figured maybe Buffy’d been there, but...”

“Argh! No! Stop, now!” Buffy’s mind was being invaded with x-rated visions of her mother and Giles. She put the heels of her hands over her eyes and groaned. “It’s just a coincidence, that’s all! You just saw an umbrella like my mom’s--I’m sure there are tons of them around...”

Spike’s eyebrow raised. “A four-foot wide umbrella with Degas’ ballerinas on it? Tell me, pet--how many of those have you seen in Sunnyhell recently?”

“No! I’m not listening! This is beyond gross, and way beyond wrong. You’re just...” The young woman paused, taking a bite out of one of the wontons. “... jumping to conclusions.” She looked around to her friends, looking for support. “Right?”

“Uh...” “Well...” “Spike kinda has a point, Buffy...”

Needless to say she didn’t get the rousing support she’d expected.

“Look, pet. Why don’t we test my theory. You call your Watcher, make it sound really important and tell him that you absolutely have to speak to your mother. If she isn’t there, he’ll truly be flummoxed. If she is there, he’ll probably slip.” He popped a peanut from the Kung Pao Chicken in his mouth. “What do you say?”

Shoulders squared, the Slayer was intent on proving the vampire wrong. No way in hell would her mom and Giles be doing... things. Especially not without her figuring it out. “Challenge accepted, bleached one. Bring me the phone and I’ll show you how wrong you all are.”

Phone in hand, she dialled the number she knew by rote. It rang twice, three times, four times... Come on, Giles, I know you can’t let a phone ring without answering it... She nearly squealed with joy when her Watcher answered it on the sixth ring.

“Hello?”

“Hi Giles?”

“Buffy? What... is something wrong?”

Here it was--the moment of truth. “Oh, Giles--I need to speak to Mom. It’s really important...” She sniffled, adding to the drama of the moment.

“Your Mother? Of course, I... Wait a second--how did you...”

Buffy didn’t even give the man a chance to finish before she hung up on him. “OhGodOhGodOhGod...”

***

“Oh, dear...”

“What’s wrong, Rupert?” Joyce walked up to the British man, circling her arms around his waist and resting her head against his back. She’d been in the kitchen when he answered the phone, and had missed the short conversation.

Giles removed his glasses, taking one of the arms in his mouth. “I do believe we’ve been found out.”

“Honey, if you keep staring out that window, you’ll burn a hole through it.”

Buffy sighed and turned her attention away from the dark of night. “Sorry, Mom. It’s just that he was supposed to be back over an hour ago. I’m getting kind of worried.”

Joyce laid a comforting hand on her daughter’s shoulder. “I’m sure Spike’s fine. It’s probably just a busier night than usual. Maybe he came across a... what do you call it again? A nest--that’s what you call a group of vampires, right?” It may have been a few years since she’d learned that her daughter was the Slayer, but she still had trouble with some of the terminology.

The Slayer smiled brightly. “Mom! You actually remembered! I’m proud of you. You’re probably right, though. A nest is about the only thing that would keep him busy enough to be this late.” I hope... She returned her attention to a pot on the stove, stirring it slowly. “The hot chocolate doesn’t look too good anymore, though.”

Both women were startled by the sound of someone on the back porch. Dropping the wooden spoon back into the pan, Buffy stomped to the door and swung it open.

“Well, it’s about time that you...”

There was a vampire on the porch--however, it wasn’t Spike.

“Angel...”

God, she was still as beautiful as ever. And there seemed to be a stronger glow to her, too. “It’s about time that I what?” He smirked shyly and ducked his head, dragging his fingers through his gelled hair.

The young woman was held speechless. This was the absolute last person--ok, not absolute, but not far from it--that she’d expect to drop by for a visit. “I...” She shook her head and returned his smile. It was odd, having the one-time love of her life standing in front of her, and not feel her heart speed up like it used to. “I’m forgetting my manners. Please, come in, Angel.”

The vampire let out a breath that he didn’t know he’d been holding. He hadn’t known what to expect. After all, his visit was unannounced, and Buffy hadn’t exactly been overjoyed to part with him when he last left Sunnydale. But there was something... different about her. The way she held herself, the glow of her skin, the rush of her blood, heck--even her smell was different.

When he was finally in the kitchen and the door was shut behind him, he noticed that Buffy’s mother was also present. Hands deep in his pockets, he nodded uncomfortably, knowing full well how much this woman didn’t like him. The most he could blurt out was a quick ’hi’ before shifting from foot to foot.

As much as she wanted to stay in the kitchen and make this Angel guy shrivel under her ’evil eye’, Joyce knew that Buffy would want some alone time with him. That and she actually had to get up for work the next day. So she graciously bade the two goodnight before heading up to her bedroom. Now if only Spike could come home in one piece...

The kitchen island separated the two former lovers. Buffy was sitting on one of the stools, elbows on the counter and chin propped up in her hands. “So... What brings you to Sunnydale? Unannounced?”

Angel remained rooted on the spot. The strange vibes he was getting from the Slayer were distracting, almost to the point where he missed her question. “Sorry? Oh--Cordy had one of her visions. Something about a baby or something, and the joining of dark and light. She wouldn’t give me any details--from the look on her face I thought it was a joke, but she insisted that she was serious.” He frowned again, squinting as he stared at Buffy. Had she gained weight? Was that it?

“Ok, before you stare me to death...” Buffy’d had enough of his gaze. She knew he suspected something and that he was going to pussyfoot around it until she pretty much drew it out for him. Hopping off her seat, she walked around the island and faced the vampire, hands on her hips. “Notice anything... different?”

Why hadn’t he put two and two together until now? She’d put on a bit of weight, there was her increased blood flow, her smell was different... Uh, that and Cordy’s vision about a baby...

“You’re pregnant.” Angel stood stock still, increasingly agitated by the news. He didn’t know how he felt about Buffy’s pregnancy. He was happy for her, in a sense, since she looked very content with her condition; but on the flip side, it angered him that he hadn’t been able to be the one to father her child--or anyone’s, come to think of it.

Buffy raised an eyebrow. “How astute. Good thing you’ve got those extra vamp senses--I might have been worried there, for a sec.” She sat back on one of the benches and motioned for Angel to do the same. “Come on. I think you have a few questions for me. You’re being more broody than usual.”

“I don’t brood!” It was an automatic answer, which garnered a wide grin and a chuckle from the Slayer. Taking a seat beside her, he sighed deeply. “Why don’t I let you tell me what happened. Then, if I have any unanswered questions, I can ask.”

The young woman nodded, agreeing with the vampire‘s suggestion. “Ok, sure. Although it’s really simple. No hocus-pocus, no prophecy, no weird demons. Riley and I... we made a baby. It’s really as simple as that. Two humans, one really, really persistent sperm and a very receptive egg. That’s all it took. Nature‘s quirky way of saying ‘one plus one equals three‘.”

“Is this ‘Riley’ who you were waiting for when you opened the door?” For some strange reason, he accepted her explanation. In some weird way, it was fitting that the most unusual of Slayers have a child in the most usual way.

Oh boy. Here it comes... “Uh. No. Riley kinda tucked tail and ran after I told him about the baby.” Maybe if she changed the subject, she could avoid the whole Spike cuffuffle that was bound to arise.

“Oh.” What could he reply that wouldn’t sound lame? ‘I’m sorry’? ‘He’s a jerk’? “You’re ok, though? You seem to be happy.”

And that she was, realizing that Spike was a much better choice for her than Angel ever would have been. Heck, Spike had been her sworn enemy and he’d been much more bothered about her abandonment than Angel seemed to be. Maybe she wasn’t going to shy away about telling her ex about her present boyfriend after all...

“Actually, I’ve met someone else.” A smile beamed across her features, making her glow even more. “He takes good care of me, he cares about the baby like it was his own... My life‘s been wonderful since we‘ve been together.”

Angel hadn’t seen that dreamy look in her eyes since he’d been the cause of it. He felt a jab of envy, but quickly pushed it aside. He and Buffy weren’t meant to be together. She’d obviously moved on--it was about time that he did, too. “That’s good. Really, it is. Is it someone I know?”

“Actually, yeah. You’ve known this guy much, much longer than I have.”

“Uh-huh...” He looked at the Slayer, silently asking her to go on.

“And... you don’t really like him much, and I don’t think he likes you very much, and... Oh, screw it. It’s Spike.” There. The cat was out of the bag, and based on the twitch that seemed to have developed in Angel’s left eye, he actually believed her.

“Are you out of your mind?!” The vampire jumped off his seat and began to pace the length of the kitchen. She had to be joking. There was no way that Spike, slayer of Slayers, William the Bloody, would pair up with Buffy Summers. It had to be a trick of some kind. Maybe he had a witch working for him or something...

“No. As a matter of fact, I’m of very sound mind. Spike’s been there for me since Riley left. He’s been really good to me and the baby.” She tried not to sound like someone convincing a parent, but she knew she was failing miserably.

“I can’t believe you fell for that! I thought you might be smarter than that. This is a trick--he’s going to kill you!” How could she be so gullible? Maybe he should come down to Sunnydale more often.

“Oh, of course! I’m obviously stupid, since I put faith in the man who rushed me to the hospital when I fell, staying with me the whole time, holding my hand and comforting me. The man who drove me out to LA to find some maternity clothes so I could get a job. The man who takes me out to help me forget about all the stress that I’m feeling. How could I be so blind, not seeing through this ruse of his?” She worked hard at keeping her voice down so she wouldn’t wake her mother up, her words coming out of her mouth like a hiss.

“But...”

“But nothing. Spike’s been everything no other man has ever been to me. He’s been there for me. No man’s ever done that--not my dad, not Riley, not even you. He puts up with my wonky moods, my weird eating habits, he’s strong for me when I need him to be. Heck, he’s even nice to my mom... Do you know that even before we became a couple, when we still hated each other, he agreed to patrol for me--without asking for anything in return?”

Angel didn’t know what to say. Spike always had been oddly loyal to women he loved. And if for some cosmically deranged reason he fell in love with Buffy... Well, she’d be served hand and foot for eternity.

“Light joins with dark...” Now it made sense! Cordy’s stupid vision wasn’t foreboding some horrible prophecy, it was just showing her that a vampire and a Slayer had joined together and that there was a baby involved. Grumbling to himself, he mused that maybe he could find some sort of a teacher that could show the seer how to better interpret her visions.

Great. First he’s on the offensive, attacking her judgement and now he was being introspective. “Angel, what on earth are you mumbling about?”

The vampire snapped out of it, returning his gaze to Buffy’s. “Cordy’s vision. Or, rather, her interpretation of it. That’s actually why I’m here. She said she saw the forces of dark and light joining together and that there was going to be a baby from the union.” At the Slayer’s raised eyebrow and crooked smile, he chuckled. “Yeah. I know--she still needs a bit of guidance in interpreting these things.”

Deciding that it was time to apologize, he put his hand on Buffy’s forearm. “Look, I’m sorry about...”

They both turned towards the door when they heard footsteps outside. Finally, Buffy thought to herself. Swinging the door open a second time, she began her lecture once again. “Well, it’s about time...”

“Riley.”

Wow. She really hadn’t been joking about keeping the baby. But she looked great--amazing, actually. The soldier felt a slight weight lifted from his shoulders, assuming that his ex-girlfriend had taken his leaving rather well. “You look good, Buffy. Motherhood seems to suit you.”

It took all her control not to slam her fist into the soldier’s face in order to wipe away his goofy grin. “So, Riley, what part of our last conversation didn’t you understand? The ‘guts through the asshole’ bit, or the ‘strangling with’ bit?”

Ok. Maybe it wasn’t all peaches after all. “Look Buffy, can I come in? We’re letting all the flies in.”

“And I should let one more in?” Ugh. She might as well get this over with. Lord knew who would be popping up next. “Fine. Come in.” She moved aside and shut the door after him.

Riley walked into the kitchen, nodding to the dark-haired man who stood in front of him. Was this Buffy’s new boyfriend? He kind of looked... broody. “Hi, there.”

Angel’s reply was to simply raise an eyebrow. So this was the idiot who left a pregnant Buffy? Whatever it was that she’d mentioned about guts and strangling sure seemed fitting.

“Ok, Riley. Why are you here?” Buffy’s patience was waning. Although much of her mind was preoccupied with the ex-boyfriends who were congregated in her kitchen, the back of her mind was still worried about a missing Spike.

Back straight and arms to the side, as though he was facing a superior, Riley looked at the young blonde. “Actually, my unit had a few hours’ stopover here in Sunnydale and I thought it might be a good idea to see how you were doing.”

The Slayer let out a hoarse chuckle. “Well, it’s nice to see that you care. I’m doing fine. Now go away.”

Great. He knew she’d be unreasonable. “Look, Buffy...”

“Look nothing. You left me. You have no right to just come back here and expect me to be civil to you. You’re lucky I don’t kick your sorry ass out that door--without opening it.” All the feelings that were long ago forgotten, those of hopelessness and despair that had filled the pit of her stomach like lead, were returning. She knew she was close to crying--damn her hormones, making her weak, unable to refrain from breaking down.

Another bump outside the kitchen door caused her shoulders to slump. “If that’s Parker, I’m going to seriously lose it.” But a loud thump, followed by some not so quiet ‘bloody hell’s confirmed that it wasn’t Mr. Poopyhead after all.

Spike! Pushing Riley aside, she flung the door open in time to have the bleached vampire fall into her arms.

“Oh my God! Spike--what happened?” She worked hard at holding him up and was relieved when Angel moved forward to take the injured vampire from her.

Spike was fluttering in and out of consciousness. When strong arms took him from the Slayer and propped him in a chair, he forced his head up. “Fuck... Peaches--what the hell are you doing here?”

Buffy knelt in front of the bleached blonde. She pulled the sides of his duster apart and noticed that there was a lot of blood staining his black T-shirt. Turning to the other two men in the kitchen, she took command. “Angel. Riley. Help me take his duster off, and make sure not to jostle him around too much. I think he’s seriously injured.”

Her command was obeyed immediately, and Spike was quickly divested of his coat. The Slayer pulled his T-shirt up and noticed a gaping wound in the center of the vampire’s chest. “Oh, God...” The wound went right through him, if the blood on his back was any indication.

She turned to her two ex’s. “Keep an eye on him--make sure he doesn’t do anything stupid, like try to get himself a beer or something. I don’t need him aggravating... whatever it is that happened to him. And Mom will kill both of us if he bleeds all over the kitchen.” She disappeared into the living room and was heard climbing the stairs.

Riley remained still, not moving from the injured vampire’s side. Angel, on the other hand, pulled himself a chair and sat facing his childe.

“So. What’s this about, anyway?” He needed answers and wasn’t about to wait until Buffy returned.

This was all he needed. His poof of a grand-sire and the pillock who abandoned the Slayer (of course he recognized him, stupid git). In the most sarcastic voice he could dredge up, he answered Angel. “Well, I was just out for a walk, mindin’ my own business when all of a sudden...”

“Not that, you idiot. I don’t care what happened to you. I mean with Buffy. What the hell’s going on?” No one, but no one, could get under his skin as quickly or effectively as the bleached blonde. Five minutes in his presence, and Angel could feel Angelus chafing at the bit for some violence.

Super. Just super. Spike had no idea how much the Great Gelled one knew, but he wasn’t about to blurt anything out. Managing to speak through clenched teeth--vampire or not, the pain of being lanced was excruciating--he played dumb. “Nothing’s goin’ on, mate. I’m just patrolling for her until the bit’s born. That’s all.” He sat up straight and fell into a coughing fit, spitting up blood. Looking up at Riley, he snarled. “Wouldn’t mind makin’ yourself useful, would you? Get me a towel so I don’t spit blood up all over Joyce’s kitchen. If she sees a mess in here, I won’t have to worry about this hole in my gut.”

Riley did as he was told, but only because of Buffy’s mom. He pulled some paper towels off a roll and handed them over to the injured blonde. Why weren’t they bringing the guy to the hospital? He’d never seen anyone take a... whatever it was... to the stomach and remain conscious--never mind be able to converse with people. The guy was weird, there was no denying that. He muttered under his breath, quietly enough that the two men wouldn’t be able to hear him. “Maybe I should have stayed after all. Buffy must really be delirious to be hanging around weirdos like those two...”

Unfortunately for him, the two men had better than average hearing and had heard every syllable.

Temporarily forgetting his condition, Spike shot out of the chair and lunged at the soldier. Only Angel’s quick reflexes stopped him--albeit only inches away from the pompous jerk. “You fucking sod! Your leaving her is the best thing that could ever have happened to her. She...” By the look on the young man’s face he knew that he had lost control of the demon. He didn’t care, though, one bit, at that moment. This way, it would be easier to rip the Whitbread’s throat out.

Surprised, but not frightened, Riley stood his ground. “I knew I’d seen you before! You’re the hostile that escaped my men. I knew we should have looked harder for you...”

Oh, now he had an even better reason for tearing him apart. But before he could try and free himself from Angel’s grasp, Buffy stormed into the kitchen.

“What the hell’s going on? You guys woke Mom up! Now shut up--all three of you.” She pointed at Spike. “You--sit down.”

Angel knew better than to get in an angry Buffy’s way, so he helped Spike into a chair and sat down also

Riley, on the other hand, wasn’t so smart. Before the Slayer had a chance to even open the first aid kit, he began his diatribe. “Buffy... Is this what you’ve lowered yourself to? Did my leaving you have such a negative effect on your sanity? How could you...” He stopped short when the medical box’s lid shattered under his ex’s grip.

For the first time ever, Spike and Angel had the same thought at the same time. Oh, this is going to be sweet...

“You know what, Riley? I don’t need to explain myself to you. I can be with whoever I choose, whether it be some pathetic GI Joe wannabe who runs at the first sight of a hurdle, or a vampire who has more heart and more compassion than a whole platoon of losers like you. Your leaving me was the best thing that could have happened--I had to face reality, and it set my vision straight. Now, if you don’t mind...” She walked over to the door and held it open. “... I do believe you’re being kicked out. Good bye, Riley. And next time? Don’t. Come. Back.”

“Buffy, listen to me...”

A grinning Slayer turned to the two chuckling vampires. “You can’t imagine how good that feels. Well, not as good as giving in to my threat, but close enough.” She sat herself down across from Spike and rooted through what was left of the first aid kit.

Spike eyed her warily, not being too keen on falling under the painful yet well intentioned care of nurse Buffy. The last time she’d cared for him he’d ended up covered in iodine and Band-Aids. Didn’t seem to matter to her that there was no chance for infection, no matter how many times he reminded her.

That’s when he remembered the ace up his sleeve. “Buffy, love. Forgot to mention earlier--I picked something up for you. It’s on the counter.”

The young woman’s brow furrowed, temporarily distracted from her medical duties. “What?” She turned around and spied a brown take-out bag sitting on the counter. “Ooh! McDonald’s!” As quick as a snap her attention was diverted to the food. “Mmm... Chicken McNuggets and fries! You’re the best, you know that?”

Spike took advantage of her distraction in order to patch himself up. Whispering to Angel, he handed him a roll of gauze. “Wouldn’t mind helpin’ me out, would you? I’d rather get this over with before she finishes those. You can’t imagine how quickly a small thing like her can down 9 nuggets and a large fry...”

Angel didn’t know what to say. Heck, he didn’t even know what to think. He felt like he’d been dropped into some weird Twilight Zone episode. Nodding dumbly, he managed to help the bleached vampire tend to his injuries, all the while keeping one eye on his one-time lover, who was actually talking to her food as she scarfed it down.

These so hit the spot, Buffy thought to herself as she tossed the empty container into the garbage. When she turned back to the two vampires, she noticed that Spike had his T-shirt back on. “Hey, wait! I wasn’t done yet.”

“S’alright, love. Peaches here gave me a hand. I just need a good rest and I’ll be right as rain in the morning.”

There was a moment of uncomfortable silence, where neither of the three individuals knew what to say. The two blondes were more than tired, one being up past her bedtime and the other having been rather badly injured, and Angel was... well, he was just confused. Buffy and Spike. Never something he’d given any thought to, but oddly enough they seemed to go well together. Spike had a woman to dote on and Buffy had someone who wouldn’t leave her for anything in the world. It was just too weird.

“Well, I’d better be heading off. I have to have a talk with Cordy about her visions, I think.” The dark haired vamp stood up and looked at Spike. He opened his mouth but was interrupted before he had a chance to say a word.

“Save your breath, Peaches. You don’t need to warn me about anything. I love her--I won’t hurt her, won’t leave her and I certainly won’t do anything to the bit. So you can hop back in to your Batmobile and head for your bird back home with an easy conscience.”

“But still, if anything happens...”

“Yeah, yeah. Get in line behind Rupert, Joyce, and the Scoobies. Like I said--you don’t have to worry about me hurting her.” Spike was both angry and upset, all at once. He was mad that Angel thought that he’d actually hurt Buffy, but even more so he was upset that his word didn’t seem to mean much with his grandsire. Never be good enough for that ponce...

She was tired and, quite honestly, sick of having Angel around. If she ever wanted a guard dog, she’d give him a call but the whole ‘protector’ bit was beginning to grate on her nerves. “Angel, he’s right. I trust him and that’s what counts most.” She headed to the door and put her hand on the knob. The message that she wanted him out might not have been as direct as it had been with Riley, but it was obvious nonetheless.

Angel smiled at the young woman. “Alright. I know when I’m being kicked out. Take care, will you? And give us a call to let us know how you’re doing. The more people who know about the baby the more gifts you’re bound to get.” It was a bit of a hint, in a direct slap-in-your face kind of way.

“Presents. Now you’re talking.” She chuckled as she gave the dark-haired vampire a friendly hug. “Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. And I’ll call before the baby’s born. I know Cordy’s gonna freak when she hears about this.”

The vampire walked out of the house and turned to wave one last time. Funny how it was getting easier and easier to leave, as time went by.

Buffy locked the door and turned to a curious Spike. “Come on, blondie. I think it’s time for bed.”

Ok, so it was time for bed but she was locking the door--with him inside the house? “Buffy, love--am I staying here tonight?” Oh, please say yes...

“Yup. I told Mom you were really out of it, and she agreed to having you stay over.” She turned the stove light on and the kitchen lights off before taking his hand in hers.

“And she’s really ok with this?” Although he didn’t have any dating experience, Spike knew that they were taking a new step in their relationship. Staying over--in the same bedroom--meant a parent’s acceptance of what might be going on between the two blondes.

Leading him up the stairs, Buffy chuckled. “Well, she may have said something like ‘Don’t forget that the walls are paper thin, or that I sleep with one ear open.’ I guess it was her way of warning me.”

Spike shook his head, smiling. “That’s Joyce for you. Ever giving, but ever watchful.”

“So what did happen to you tonight, anyway?” The Slayer was whispering as they walked by her mother’s bedroom. Wouldn’t do any good to wake her up again...

“Met up with a Polgara demon. Almost bloody didn’t make it, as you can see.” He watched her change into her nightie, smiling when she shyly turned her back to him as she put it on.

“Eww... Polgara--those are the ones with skewers for arms, right?” Buffy slipped into bed, turning the sheets over. This was strange to her, as she’d never had anyone actually stay the night--oh God, what if I snore?! Her cheeks flushed as she watched Spike undress--how could she have forgotten that he didn’t wear any underwear?--before he slid in beside her.

“Something like that.” The vampire spooned his lean body behind the Slayer’s, resting his hand over her belly. Nuzzling the back of her neck, he whispered in her ear. “So, pet... was Joyce exaggerating about the paper-thin walls?”

A voice from the other room took them both by surprise. “No! Now get some sleep!”

Although the curtains were drawn tight, a haze of diluted sunlight painted the small bedroom in shades of gold. Outside, the birds were chirping, the squirrels were chattering and the neighbour’s lawnmower was burping and sputtering. Ah, the early-morning sounds of suburbia...

Buffy was happily nestled in the crook of Spike’s shoulder, head resting on him. His chest rose with every deep breath he took and the young woman wondered at this strange habit the vampire had. Was it comforting to him, or was it just a human trait that his body had never forgotten?

Her quiet musings were interrupted by the slam of the front door. Buffy turned to her alarm clock: 6:45am. Her mom had just left for work. Finally! A wide grin spread across her face before she wiggled out of the vampire’s arms. She slipped her nightie over her head and wiggled out of her panties before awkwardly crawling under the covers.

Maybe it was the hormones, maybe the night of lying in a naked Spike’s arms, or maybe just because it was a nice, sunny morning and she didn’t have to go to work. Whatever the reason, the Slayer found herself feeling adventurous. She slid the tip of her finger along the vampire’s cool skin as she made her way down to a spot between his legs, placing kisses along the way. She could have gotten off simply from kissing those hips of his...

As the fog slowly lifted from his sleep addled brain, Spike became aware of the most wonderful sensation at his groin. The thought that he was dreaming flitted through his mind, but he discounted that idea--sunlight seldom pervaded his dreams. Not the good ones, anyway.

Reluctantly, he opened his eyes fully and looked to either side of him. No Buffy to the left; no Buffy to the right. That had to mean, then, that she was...

He bit his lower lip and grabbed fistfuls of sheets when he felt warm, wet kisses along the insides of his thighs. Oh, just a bit closer, luv...

Buffy knew that the vampire was awake, by the twitching of his muscles and his sharp intake of breath. Oh, that and the moaning, she thought to herself, proud that she’d reduced him to a puddle of goo without actually taking him in her mouth. She was even more encouraged when his hands came down to play in her hair, massaging her scalp.

“Christ, Buffy. Please...” He couldn’t take the teasing and didn’t care if he was reduced to begging. He needed to feel her hot little mouth engulf him. It had been so long since a woman had pleasured him like this. Not that he minded being the one doling out the pleasure, but--hey, he was a man after all.

Buffy let his reactions guide her as she ministered to his needs. Licking the palm of her hand, she curled her fingers around his shaft and pumped her fist up and down a few times, feeling him get harder. She brought her mouth to him and slowly dragged the point of her tongue up his cock’s underside, paying more attention to the little spot just under the head. On a whim, she decided to gently bite this sensitive spot.

When his hips bucked up and an animalistic growl emanated from the blonde vampire, she knew she’d found a definite weakness. Biting back a snicker, she thought to herself ‘Gotta file that one under ‘how to get my way’...’

He really didn’t know how long he could last or how far she was planning on going. In between pants, he managed to find his voice. “Keep that up, love, and you’ll find yourself with a new take on ‘breakfast in bed’, if you catch my meaning.” The answer she gave him, a loud ‘Mmm’, followed by her taking him in her mouth, nearly caused him to lose control.

The heat of her mouth reminded him of their first--and only--encounter a few weeks back, where he had been sheathed deep in her pussy. This action, though, touched him on a different level than the frenzied fuck they had shared in the DeSoto’s front seat. This pleasure was something she was giving him, freely of her own volition, to please him. He hadn’t had to ask (or beg). She’d just taken it upon herself to give him the blowjob of his unlife.

She knew he was close, gauging by the vampire’s rapid breathing and constant fidgeting. For the first time ever, she knew that she wanted to follow this act through to the end. She’d never swallowed for Riley--it wasn’t something that had tickled her fancy, for some reason. But for Spike? She couldn’t explain it, she just knew it. It probably had to do with how excited she’d become just by getting him off. Relaxing her throat muscles, she began to take him in deeper and deeper, all the while continuing to caress him with her hand.

The sensation of the Slayer’s throat muscles gripping his cock pushed all thoughts from the vampire’s mind, save but one. He was just lucid enough to mumble a “Now, pet... I’m gonna cum...” before roaring out his release.

Buffy kept her hands pressed against the vampire’s hips, keeping them flush on the bed. She may have decided to stay the course, so to say, but she certainly didn’t look forward to having him thrust up in her throat. Making sure that her tongue kept up its movements, she took almost everything he had to give, not minding the taste or consistency--or volume--of the demon’s spendings. When she couldn’t swallow any more, she pulled back and finished with her small fist, pumping until it was clear that Spike had ridden out his orgasm.

Feeling the Slayer slowly lick the cum off his softening cock, Spike wondered what he had done to deserve this.

***

Eleven minutes. Eleven minutes is all it had taken for them to do... well, whatever it was that would cause Spike to sound like that.

Joyce had driven back to the house, having forgotten the keys to the gallery. She’d walked in to a silent abode, but just as she was about to leave she thought she’d heard moaning. Pausing, she nearly jumped out of her skin at the roar that had echoed through the house.

Well, there was nothing she could do. Buffy would certainly never speak to her again if she walked in on them at this point--she’d just have to make time to have a little chat later on...

As she locked the door on her way out, she made a mental note to ask Rupert about the mating habits of vampires. Maybe he had a book or two that might just explain what her daughter was up to.

Hey, a woman had the right to be curious, no?

***

Spike dropped his head back on the pillow, trying to catch his breath. If only he could wake up to this every morning, unlife would be amazing...

He lifted his head up a little and smirked at seeing the lump underneath the blankets make its way up to him. When the Slayer’s head appeared, hair mussed from the covers and cheeks flushed, he couldn’t help but chuckle.

“So what brought that on? Not that I’m complaining or anything...”

Buffy sighed and settled herself comfortably on the vampire, her rounded belly pressing against his solid abdomen. “Dunno. Just felt like it, I guess.” She paused for a moment, averted her eyes from his and asked shyly. “Um... You did like it, right?”

Spike’s face snapped down to hers, eyes wide and incredulous. “You’re joking, right?” Hadn’t the howling been sign enough?! When his eyes met hers, he realized that she was dead serious. “Christ, pet. You were amazing--I don’t think I’ve ever come that hard or that fast before.” Pulling her up even with him, he leaned in and kissed her hard, holding her tightly to him.

He broke the kiss, but not the hold he had on her. “I’ll never get enough of you, not if we were together for an eternity.”

As she lay in her lover’s arms, Buffy realized why she’d fallen so quickly and so hard for the vampire: he didn’t go halfway with his emotions. It was either all or... all, come to think of it. He loved her as wholly and passionately as he’d hated her. But, as much fun as it had been to fight him, adrenaline running through her veins, muscles aching, lungs pumping furiously, it was so much better resting atop his strong body, kissing his soft lips, feeling his cool hands caressing her curves.

She smiled when she felt him harden again. Ah, the benefits of a vampire lover... She ground her pelvis down into his, announcing her own arousal, causing him to growl deep in his throat.

Such a vixen, and even at 7 months pregnant almost as insatiable as him. Of course, it had been almost a couple of months since their first and only encounter, so she probably wanted it--needed, it--as much as him. Quick as lightning, he flipped them both over so that his body was covering hers, his arousal pressing against her warm centre.

His voice hoarse with desire, he locked his blue eyes with her hazel ones. “How... how do you want to do this? I don’t want to hurt you or the bit...” It wasn’t important what position they assumed--all that mattered to him was to be buried deep into her heat, feeling her inner muscles clamped around his cock.

Oh, she needed him. Needed him in ways even she couldn’t begin to understand. Could someone need someone on a molecular level? She looked into his eyes, which had turned almost black from desire, and licked her lips--she knew that drove him nuts. “This way’s perfect. Just try not to go in too deep...”

Nodding, he positioned himself at her entrance and slowly began to slide in. The strained sound of his voice surprised them both. “Jus’ let me know how deep is good, ok?” God, she was tight. Both times he’d been in her, it felt like he was her first. He was convinced she’d burn him with her heat--but she was so moist, so welcoming...

When she felt that he was in far enough, she found her voice. “That’s good--oh, God, that’s good Spike...” She put the soles of her feet flat on the bed and pushed her hips up, meeting with his gentle thrusts. She’d never been verbal during sex, but the emotions that were coursing through her were too strong. “Please don’t stop, ever... Feels so good, so right... God, I love you, Spike...”

The words that were streaming from her mouth were bound to be his undoing. For once in his unlife, he was the silent one, listening to what his Buffy had to tell him. All whispers, all moans, every single little noise were put to memory as he moved within her, following the rhythm she was setting.

When he felt her begin to shake, heard her breathing increase, he lowered his lips to hers. “I love you, Buffy” slipped from between them before they locked with hers. He held steady as she rode out her orgasm, breaking their kiss to throw her head back and call his name out. The contraction of her muscles around his shaft led him to follow her over the precipice.

Although she never expected any less from him, Buffy was still surprised at Spike’s gentleness. Even when he came, she could tell that he held himself back, only letting himself ride his release through shallow thrusts. It felt so right being in his arms, being held by him. She’d never allowed herself to be the weaker one in a relationship until she was with Spike. It had bothered her when Angel or Riley had tried to treat her like a porcelain doll, but if Spike were to try she had a suspicion that she’d let him. She didn‘t really know why, but she knew better than to try and figure it out. For once, she just wanted to follow what her heart thought was right.

Still breathing hard, Spike rolled over onto his back and pulled Buffy in with him, curling her into his side. “Oh!” Both blondes jumped when her stomach moved. Buffy smiled and rubbed where she’d felt the movement. Turning her eyes towards her belly, she cooed. “What’s got you moving around, like that, huh, baby? You getting hungry, or you just stretching out?” Or maybe it was the earth-shattering orgasm?

Spike pulled the covers back and gently prompted the Slayer to lie on her back. He propped his head up on one hand and cupped his other hand over her belly. The baby wiggled around under the weight of his fingers as they danced around in lazy circles over the young woman’s stomach. “It’s strange, seein’ the bit move around like that. Guess it must feel kind of strange, eh?”

Placing her hand over Spike’s, Buffy nodded. “It’s weird, but only if I really stop to think about it. If I just let my instincts take over, it’s the most natural thing--baby moves, it means it’s ok. But if I step back, in a sense, and think about it in a detached way, it’s way weird. I mean, think about it--something is alive in my belly, and it’s moving around. It’s kind of like in that movie, where that thing rips out of that guy’s stomach.”

The vampire couldn’t help but chuckle. “Like in Alien. I remember that... That scene even set me off for a while afterwards.” He tore his eyes away from her stomach and looked Buffy in the eye. “You’re beautiful, you know that?”

The Slayer blushed and tried to pull the covers back up. “Shyeah--with my big belly, weird belly-button and water-swollen ankles. Real beautiful.”

Spike shook his head. Taking her chin in his hand, he turned her hazel gaze onto his own cerulean one. “But you’re creating life! Your breasts are fuller, and so are your hips; your skin glows, your hair is shiny... There isn’t anything on this planet more beautiful than you right now, Buffy. We’ve both seen so much death, so much destruction. We’ve got to take a minute and step back to appreciate just how glorious this is...”

Buffy didn’t know what to say. She knew he was right, but that didn’t mean that she still didn’t feel like a whale. “Thanks. It’s nice to hear that, that someone finds me beautiful when I feel so big.”

They shared a comfortable silence before Buffy spoke up once again. She had a favour to ask the vampire, but wasn’t sure how he’d feel about it. On one hand, he was always there when she needed it, but on the other, he was often discomforted at being put in all-too-human situations.

“Spike?”

“Hmm?”

“I have a favour I need to ask you. I only want you to say yes if you really want to go ahead with it, though.” Oh, this wasn’t sounding good, even to her own ears.

Still lulled by the morning’s events, the vampire kept his eyes on the baby’s movements. “Ask away, love.”

“I’ve... uh... signed up for pre-natal classes. They really encourage the partner to be there during the courses, but since I’m not really with the partner anymore, and anyway you’re really kind of my partner now, and I signed up for night classes, I was wondering...”

Ok. Now she had his attention. Dragging his gaze from the young woman’s belly to her face, he pursed his lips. “What’s involved in these classes, pet?” He wanted to say yes, but this was asking a lot...

“Well, I’m not a hundred percent sure, but they explain what goes on when the baby’s born, they give you some pointers on how to make the delivery easier, they go through some of the problems that might come up. Oh! And there’s also a visit to the birthing unit in the hospital, so we get to see how everything is set up, and...”

“I’ll do it.” It wasn’t a hard decision, after all. He’d want to be there, by her side, during the baby’s birth. That much he knew. And if he wanted to be of any use, he might as well tag along to these classes. He’d be of no use if he didn’t know anything about what was going on. When she turned to look at him, hazel eyes wide with surprise and face beaming, he knew he’d made the right decision. “’S’not much of a decision, really; not if I don’t want to look like a complete git when the baby’s on it’s way.”

Buffy hugged him as tight as she could. He’d just answered another question, one that she hadn’t built up the courage to ask yet. He’d be with her during the delivery. It sounded like a cheesy 70’s song, but he was her rock, her anchor. With him there, in the room with her, she knew she could go through anything. “Thanks, Spike.” She pulled back and sniffled, wiping away a few stray tears--stupid hormones. “Now, why don’t we go downstairs so I can rustle us up a breakfast of champions?”

“Sounds tempting, love. But I have a much better idea--why don’t we start off with a nice, hot shower first?”

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